DRUGS are not a problem at the University. Either that or some of Charlottesville's finest should consider a career change.
At a press conference last Friday, local authorities announced the indictment of 33 people on charges of drug distribution and sales and the seizure of marijuana, cocaine, opium, ecstasy and psilocybin mushrooms worth $20,000-22,000. As of Monday afternoon, 15 of those indicted had been arrested, including eight University students.
The arrests mark the conclusion of a 15-month undercover operation conducted by the Jefferson Area Drug Enforcement (JADE) Task Force. The investigation, dubbed "Operation Spring Break Down," involved agents from the Charlottesville, University and Albemarle County police departments, the Virginia State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. These law enforcement officials were aided in the investigation by several University students and employees.
The news sent rumors flying about the University, as many students expected new arrests at any time. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Capt. Chip Harding of the Charlottesville Police Department said, "There's going to be a lot of people nervous tonight and wondering where the JADE operation is going next."
With such a preponderance of law enforcement resources arrayed against them, University drug offenders have a right to be nervous. But I'm more concerned about the conduct and priorities of the JADE task force.
On the surface, Operation Spring Break Down seems like an impressive piece of law enforcement. But a closer look reveals the humble nature of both the investigation and the offenses involved.
The JADE task force seized $20,000-22,000 worth of drugs and secured 33 indictments over the course of Operation Spring Break Down. That's an average of $606-666 per suspect -- small time stuff, to say the least. Furthermore, the individuals arrested were not part of any organized drug ring. Lt. Donald Campbell, the coordinator of the JADE task force, told The Daily Progress that "Some of the people
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